African Church Suspends Primate Abbe Over Constitutional Violations

The African Church Management Committee has announced the suspension of its Primate, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Osayande Abbe, over what it described as multiple breaches of the Church’s constitution.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday and addressed by the Acting Lay President, Elder Pius Adebayo Sobambo. Themed "Setting the Records Straight: Upholding Truth, Constitutionality, and Unity in The African Church," the event outlined the Church's reasons for the suspension amid ongoing internal leadership crisis.

Elder Sobambo stated that the suspension followed failed attempts at reconciliation and persistent disregard for constitutional provisions by Primate Abbe.

“Let the record reflect that all genuine efforts toward reconciliation, dialogue, and peaceful resolution were made in good faith but were consistently rebuffed by Primate Abbe and his loyalists,” Sobambo said.

He added that despite court injunctions and the Church’s internal constitutional guidance, Primate Abbe proceeded with convening a disputed meeting in Calabar, an act deemed illegal by the Church’s leadership.

Alleged Violations

According to the Committee, Primate Abbe was served formal notice citing several violations of the Church’s 2014 Constitution, particularly Chapter 6, Sections 134.1–134.3. These include:

Sponsoring ineligible candidates (Section 112.1(ii))

Manipulating conference resolutions (Section 131(viii))

Avoiding national meetings (Section 131(ix))

Shutting down the Secretariat without authority (Section 131(ix))

Issuing threats and intimidation (Sections 131(iii) and 131(xii))

Reversing duly adopted conference decisions (Sections 131(x) and 131(xii))

The Church stated that Primate Abbe failed to respond to the notice within the constitutionally stipulated 48-hour period.

The Management Committee also noted an ongoing court case at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi regarding the authenticity of Primate Abbe’s claimed Master’s degree, saying it further undermined his standing.

Acting Primate Appointed

To ensure continuity, the Committee announced the immediate appointment of The Most Rev. Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa as Acting Primate.

 “This measure is to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure seamless spiritual and administrative governance of the Church,” the Committee said. “He shall serve until the prevailing issues are conclusively resolved in line with constitutional and legal provisions.”

Lay Leaders, Bishops React

In a post-conference chat with journalists, Immediate Past Deputy Lay President, Prince Debo Oduguwa, described the Primate's disregard for legal injunctions and internal processes as unbecoming of a spiritual leader.

“We don't want a Primate who disregards the rule of law and overreaches court decisions,” Oduguwa said. “The suspension is a necessary step to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Church.”

Right Reverend Motolani Olasoji Beckley, the newly inaugurated Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Southwest Diocese, also lent his support to the decision.

“Leadership requires discipline and neutrality. A true leader must carry everyone along and not take sides in a crisis,” he said. “This step is important for the peace and future of the African Church.”

Other senior officials present included Bro. Bayo Ogundimu, the General Secretary; Most Rev. Dr. A.I. Dawodu, the Archbishop of Lagos Central Diocese; and Bro. Kayode Adegbesan, Immediate Past General Treasurer.

The Church’s leadership urged members and the public to disregard misinformation and remain focused on unity and constitutional order.